60th Anniversary of Liberation of Guam and Battle for the Northern Marianas
Commemorated at Tomb of the Unknowns
Veterans from the 5th Field Marines, Army Spc. Hilario Bermanis,
Join Congresswoman Bordallo and Resident Representative Tenorio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 20, 2004 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo and Resident Representative Pedro Tenorio were joined by Veterans of the Fifth Field Marines, Brigadier General Ben Blaz (former member of Congress), Major General Galen Jackman, Army Spc. Hilario Bermanis, and other distinguished guests in a ceremony to honor and remember the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Guam and the Battle for the Northern Mariana Islands. The wreath laying ceremony took place this morning at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Ceremony.

“As we observe the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Guam and the Battle for the Northern Marianas, the people of Guam and the Northern Marianas commemorate the suffering endured by our people and honor the sacrifice of the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, and Airmen who gave their lives for our freedom. In tribute, we lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in humble gratitude,” Bordallo said.

The Liberation of Guam and the Battle for the Northern Marianas were turning points in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and are defining moments in the histories of both Guam and the Common-wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. On June 15, 1944, in the Northern Marianas, the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions and the 27th Army Infantry Division fought bravely to establish a base from which to strike the Japanese homeland and secured a new future for the people of the Northern Marianas. On July 21, 1944, units of the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force and the 77th Army Infantry Division landed and liberated the people of Guam who had endured and survived thirty-two months of harsh enemy occupation.

Although the wreath laying to commemorate the Liberation of Guam is typically held in July, this year’s event was held as part of the National World War II Memorial festivities to allow for the participation of the many veterans who would be visiting Washington, D.C. during this time. The 5th Field Marines were part of the liberation force that landed on Guam on July 21, 1944, and continue to hold vivid memories of the tragedy of war and the goodness of the Chamorro people.

Army Spc. Hilario Bermanis, who was severely injured by enemy fire while serving in Iraq, attended the ceremony as Congresswoman Bordallo’s special guest. Spc. Bermanis, who is from the island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, was a fitting representative of Pacific Islanders who have heard the call of duty to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. His continued bravery in the face adversity has served as an inspiration for many and his presence deeply touched many of the WWII veterans in attendance.

Pictures from the wreath laying that may be used for press purposes can be found here.

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Contact: Neil Weare in Washington, D.C., at (202) 225-1188 or Joaquin Perez in Guam at (671) 477-4272.